DUNDEE United chief Eddie Thompson insists he is in no rush to appoint a new manager - but Neale Cooper could still walk out on Hartlepool United this week.

Cooper, with his managerial stock high after leading Pool to the play-offs last season and putting the club on course for a repeat this time around, is considering hedging his bets and making himself available for work in his homeland - Dundee United or otherwise.

The Pool boss is hoping to return north of the border to be nearer his children.

It is believed he is one of League One's lowest paid managers and, with little security from a short-term contract, he is becoming frustrated with the Pool job.

An agent acting on Cooper's behalf has contacted the Tannadice club in order to alert officials to his availability and intentions.

He has now declared his interest in the job both through a third party and the press, but The Arabs insist he is simply one of many keen to become Ian McCall's successor.

Thompson said: "We're not even at the interview stage. Gordon Chisholm has our full backing and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do against Hibs this weekend.

"Neale Cooper's name has been mentioned but I'm not surprised we've had so many applications - we are the fifth biggest club in Scotland after all. We've had written and verbal interest in the job from as far afield as Europe.''

Cooper walked out on Ross County in November 2002, after becoming disillusioned with life in Dingwall and took a seven month sabbatical before joining Pool.

* Pool striker Joel Porter insists he wants to stay at Victoria Park and claims he isn't interested in a return to Australia this summer.

Porter has bagged 14 goals this season and will be among the runners for the club's player of the year award.

Perth Glory and Adelaide United are keen on enticing him home, but Porter, out of contract this summer, is hoping to remain at Victoria Park.

"I am looking to stay at The Vic," he revealed. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and things are going well for me on the pitch."

* Steve Howey and Thomas Butler will play for Pool's reserves at Stoke City this afternoon.